Time sequenced user space segmentation for multiple program and 3D display

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a front projection display means which uses time sequenced addressing to physically segment viewer space into segments which each receive different respective full resolution image streams (or television programs). The display uses a pixel generation mechanism such as a DMD projector to generate a rapid succession of pixels which are rapidly swept across the viewer space using a variable deflector and/or reflector operating in rapid iterations in cooperation with the projector. First frame pixels from a first program are directed to a first viewer space segment, first frame pixels from a second program are directed to a second viewer space segment, and so on until all first frames from multiple programs are sent to applicable viewer space segments. Then the second frame is sent to each respective viewer space segment, and so on iteratively. A positionally segmented front projection display screen enables multiple viewers to each see full resolution programs on the same display screen concurrently. Alternately, a positionally segmented front projection display screen enables multiple viewers to each a different full resolution view of the same 3D image on the same display screen concurrently.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation in part of a PatentApplication of unknown number which was filed on Jun. 5, 2003 by thesame title and which was a conversion of Provisional Application60/473,865 filed with the USPTO on May 28, 2003.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] Modern video monitors incorporate many technologies and methodsfor providing high quality video to users. Nearly every household in theUnited States has one or more video monitors in the form of a televisionor a computer monitor. These devices generally use technologies such asCathode Ray Tubes (CRT) tubes, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), OLEDs,Plasma, Lasers, or Digital Micromirror Devices (DM) projection in oneway or another. Large monitors offer the advantage of enabling manyusers to see the video monitor simultaneously as in a living roomtelevision application for example. Often video users do not want toview the same image streams as one another. Instead viewers would oftenlike to see completely different programs or image streams at the sametime. Alternately viewers would like to see the same program in 3D(three-dimensional) format.

[0003] The prior art describes some attempts to enable multiple viewersto see different image streams concurrently on the same monitor. Theseare generally drawn to wearing glasses that use polarization or lightshutters to filter out the unwanted video stream while enabling thedesired video stream to pass to the users' eyes. No prior art provides atechnique to enable multiple viewers to view separate video streamsconcurrently with the unaided eye. Moreover, no display enables true 3Dimages or alternately multiple program images to be viewed from the sameTelevision pixels at the same time by multiple viewers.

[0004] The present invention provides a significant step forward forvideo monitors. The present invention describes multiple embodimentswhich enable multiple high resolution video streams to be displayed onthe same video monitor concurrently. Each embodiment describes theconcurrent presentation and separation of video streams while using thesame number of pixels as a typical display. In a preferred embodiment,beam steering optics cause the pixel to be time sequenced and sweptacross or moved to a range of positions across the user space thusdividing the user space into time sequenced positional segments whereeach segment receives different light from the same pixel. Thus the viewone sees from the display is dependent upon the physical position he orshe is in relative to the display. The result is that multiple users cansit in respective viewing segments wherein people in each of thesegments can view different video streams on the same displayconcurrently. Alternately, viewers will see a true 3D image which isdependant upon their position relative to the display.

BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR INVENTION

[0005] Many display screens have been described and practiced in theprior art. Modern video monitors incorporate many technologies andmethods for providing high quality video to users. Nearly everyhousehold in the United States has one or more video monitors in theform of a television or a computer. These devices generally usetechnologies such as Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) tubes, Liquid CrystalDisplays (LCD), or Digital Micromirror Devices (DMD) in one way oranother. Large monitors offer the advantage of enabling many users tosee the video monitor simultaneously as in a living room for example.Often video users do not want to view the same video streams as oneanother.

[0006] The prior art describes some attempts to enable multiple viewersto see different video streams concurrently on the same monitor. Theseare generally drawn to wearing glasses that use polarization or lightshutters to filter out the unwanted video stream while enabling thedesired video stream to pass to the users' eyes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,442Narayanaswami being one such patent wherein the users wear specialglasses to see their respective video streams. U.S. Pat. No. 2,832,821DuMont does provide a device that enables two viewers to see multiplepolarized images from the same polarizing optic concurrently. DuMonthowever also requires that the viewers use separate polarizing screensas portable viewing aids similar to the glasses. DuMont further requiresthe expense of using two monitors concurrently. No prior art provides atechnique to enable multiple viewers to view separate video streams onthe same monitor concurrently with the unaided eye as does the presentinvention.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] The invention described herein represents a significantimprovement for the users of video monitors. Heretofore a large familysize television for example could only carry one video stream on itsentire surface at any given time. Anyone not interested in watching thesame video stream was required to use a television in another room or inthe case of “picture in picture” to view the video stream on a smallerportion of the same monitor. Likewise if a family member wanted to usethe computer or video game, they would have to go to a separate computeror gaming station with a monitor. The present invention enables multipleusers to use one video monitor concurrently while each views completelydifferent video content concurrently whether television video, computervideo, gaming video, or some other form of video.

[0008] The present invention also provides true 3D functionality in thesame monitor as above.

[0009] The present invention uses a process of time sequenced iterativesweeping of pixels across the user space to physically segment the userspace into physically segmented viewing spaces. As light from individualpixels is swept across the user space, each segmented viewing spacereceives a different color from individual pixels. This process is doneconcurrently for many thousands of pixels such that a multitude ofpositionally dependent normal resolution images are produced from thesame video display device. Thus each respective space segment receives adifferent respective full resolution image from the display. Viewers indifferent segments can watch different programs at the same time.Alternately, each viewing space segment receives a perspective correctview of a true 3D image.

[0010] Users within respective user spaces each see unique video streamsacross the entire surface of the video display screen which are notvisible to those in other respective user spaces. Using the techniquesdescribed, a multitude of video streams can be displayed concurrently onone video display screen. Examples of front projection LCD screen beamsteering and front projection moving mirror beam steering projectionembodiments are described which can be used with many types of pixelgenerating mechanisms.

[0011] Thus the present invention offers a significant advancement inthe functionality of video monitors or displays without diminishingresolution.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0012] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the presentinvention are apparent. It is an object of the present invention toprovide an image display means which enables multiple viewers toexperience completely different video streams simultaneously. Thisenables families to spend more time together while simultaneouslyindependently experiencing different visual media or while working ondifferent projects in the presence of one another or alternately toconcurrently experience true 3D enhanced media. Also, electrical energycan be saved by concentrating visible light energy from a display intonarrower user space when just one person is using a display. Likewisewhen multiple users use the same display instead of going into adifferent room, less electric lighting is required. Also, by enablingone display to operate as multiple displays, living space can beconserved which would otherwise be cluttered with a multitude ofdisplays.

[0013] It is an advantage that the present invention doesn't requirespecial eyewear, eyeglasses, goggles, or portable viewing devices asdoes the prior art.

[0014] It is an advantage of the present invention that the same monitorthat presents multiple positionally segmented image streams also canprovide true positionally segmented 3D images and stereoscopic images.

[0015] It is an advantage of the present invention that resolution isnot sacrificed in order to achieve 3D images and neither is resolutionsacrificed to present multiple concurrent positionally segmented imagestreams and neither is resolution sacrificed to present stereoscopicimage streams.

[0016] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from theenclosed figures and specifications.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0017]FIG. 1 prior art illustrates a well know front projection method.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 3 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequenced viewer space addressing of thepresent invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequencing to deliver separate programs tosegments of viewer space.

[0021]FIG. 5 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequencing to deliver true 3D images toviewer space.

[0022]FIG. 6 illustrates multiple pixels from a front projection systemusing a beam steering screen method including time sequencing to delivertrue 3D images to viewer space.

[0023]FIG. 7 illustrates multiple pixels directed by head tracking froma front projection system using a beam steering screen method includingtime sequencing to deliver true 3D images to viewer space.

[0024]FIG. 8 illustrates a front projection system of the presentinvention with integrated screen position sensing.

[0025]FIG. 9 illustrates a pixel located in the beam steering screen ofthe present invention.

[0026]FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the beam steering pixel of FIG.9.

[0027]FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate pixel configuration located inthe beam steering screen of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 12 illustrates the reflective surface of the beam steeringscreen of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate reflective surface of the beamsteering screen of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 14 illustrates a second embodiment of the front projectionbeam steering display of the present invention in a first position.

[0031]FIG. 15 illustrates the second embodiment of the front projectionbeam steering display of the present invention in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Preferred Embodiment—Solid State Beam Steering

[0033]FIG. 1 prior art illustrates a well know front projection method.A prior art image projector 31 uses standard DMD or LCD technology toproject an image including an individual prior art pixel 33 which isincident upon a diffuse projection screen 37. The 33 is incident the 37at prior art incidence point 35. The entire prior art user space 39 isable to observe light from 33 that is diffuse by 37 at point 35.Similarly, each pixel is incident upon the surface of 37 and observablein 39. This prior art architecture is not conducive to displaying fullresolution multiple programs concurrently using front projection withoutthe aid of special shutter, polarized, or other types of glasses.Similarly, this prior art architecture is not conducive to displayingstereoscopic images or true 3D full resolution images concurrently usingfront projection without the aid of special shutter, polarized, or othertypes of glasses.

[0034]FIG. 2 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method of the present invention. A synchronized image projector41 operates in sync with a time sequenced beam steering screen 47.Communication wire 51 carriers a synchronizing signal from 41 to 47. The41 is a standard image projector of the prior art except that it is ableto accept and time sequentially project multiple video streams in arapid iterative process. The 41 is also able to rapidly switchiteratively between projecting the first half of a stereoscopic imageand then the second half of a stereoscopic image. The 41 is also able toproject in rapid succession a series of 2d views representative of aseries of perspectives of an image which are perceived as 3D by viewersof the projected image as described later. The 41 projects a stream ofpixels including an individual pixel 43. The 43 is incident upon a beamsteering reflective screen 47 at pixel steering area 45. Thecharacteristics of 45 and 47 are further described in FIGS. 9 through13. At any given point in time, the 47 reflects and directs the 43 to anarrow viewer space segment 49.

[0035]FIG. 3 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequenced viewer space addressing of thepresent invention. As 41 is operated over a period of time, 47 steersincident beams into successive segments of viewer space. A first viewerspace segment 49 a receives light from pixel 43 as steered by 45 at afirst Time P. A second viewer space segment 49 b receives light frompixel 43 as steered by 45 at a second Time Q. A Third viewer spacesegment 49 a receives fight from pixel 43 as steered by 45 at a thirdTime S. The 43 and 45 represent the steering of a single pixel over avery rapid period of time. In practice, many pixels are concurrentlyprojected from 41, incident upon and steered by 47 into segmented viewerspaces similar to the single pixel illustrated. The 41 and 47 aresynchronized such that pixels from different images are directed to 49a, 49 b, and 49 c as discussed under FIGS. 4 through 7.

[0036]FIG. 4 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequencing to deliver separate programs tosegments of viewer space. The 41 sends a pixel representative of a firstvideo “Program PP” into 49 a such that a first viewer's left eye 53 anda first viewer's right eye 54 sees the pixel (along with thousands ofother current pixels as later described). The 41 then sends a signal to47 to change its beam steering direction as later described such that apixel from another concurrently displayed program Program PQ isprojected from 41, reflected and steered into 49 b by 45. The 41 thensends a signal to 47 to change its beam steering direction as laterdescribed such that a pixel from another concurrently displayed program,Program PS, is projected into 49 c such that a second viewer's left eye55 and a second viewer's right eye 56 observe the pixel from the thirdvideo. The 41 in sync with 47 and 45 then interactively repeats theprocess very rapidly such that a stream of pixels from the PP Programare sent to 49 a and viewed as an uninterrupted stream by 53 and 54while concurrently a stream of pixels from the PS Program are sent to 49c and viewed as an uninterrupted stream by 55 and 56. The first vieweris watching a first full resolution program while the second viewer iswatching a different full resolution program on the same display screenat the same time.

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates a front projection system using a beam steeringscreen method including time sequencing to deliver true 3D images toviewer space. Here a first alternate viewer's left eye 53 a receivespixel light representative of a first perspective 3D View VP 49 a whilein rapid succession, a first alternate viewer's right eye 54 a receivespixel light representative of a second perspective 3D View VP 49 b. The41 and 45 produce and steer a rapid succession of pixels representativeof two different views in an iterative process. Thus the first alternateviewer sees a true 3D image coming from 43 as directed by 45. Many true3D pixels are similarly concurrently produced by 41 and directed by 47as described in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0038]FIG. 6 illustrates multiple pixels from a front projection systemusing a beam steering screen method including time sequencing to delivertrue 3D images to viewer space. The 41 projects a second individualpixel 58 along with the 51 ad thousands of other pixels not show. The 58is incident on the 47 at a second steering area 57. The 57 operates insync with 41, 47, and 45 such that when the 43 pixel is directed to 49a, the 58 pixel is directed to a fourth viewer space segment and whenthe 43 pixel is directed to 49 b, the 58 pixel is directed to a fifthviewer space segment 59 b. The light in 59 a is a pixel representing the3D image of FIG. 5 from a first perspective and the 59 b is a pixelrepresenting the 3D image of FIG. 5 from a second perspective. Note thatin the illustration, the 3D parallax resolution is low such that the 53a and the 54 a each receive light from the same perspective of the 58pixel.

[0039] It is noteworthy that if each directing area of the 47 directslight at the same angles concurrently, a viewer in a particular segmentmay receive light from some pixels which was emitted at a first time andlight from other pixels that was emitted at a second time. This processenables blending of a finite number of 2D image perspectives of a 3Dimage to produce a far greater number of 3D viewing possibilities. Forexample, if 53 a and 53 b were closer to the 47 display screen, theywould see different viewing perspectives of both 43 and 58, thus theuser would experience 3D depth perception when moving around relative tothe display whether moving horizontally on an X axis of an imaginarycoordinate system or moving toward or away from the display on animaginary Z axis. Also, horizontal parallax resolution much greater thanthat show in the illustration is available using current state of theart DMDs such as Texas Instruments' DLP product line. Using the later,it may be possible to show forty 2D image views of each frame, eachprojected into a respective segment of user space to achieve very highresolution true 3D images which when blending of images is taken intoaccount yields hundreds of thousands of unique 3D viewing positions onthe imaginary X and Z coordinate system. Multiple users moving around inthe user space will each experience true 3D.

[0040]FIG. 7 illustrates multiple pixels directed by head tracking froma front projection system using a beam steering screen method includingtime sequencing to deliver true 3D images to viewer space. A headtracking system 61 is integrated into 41. The 61 senses the position ofone or more viewers using the display screen. A CPU in 41 calculates theimage that should be sent to a second alternate viewer's left eye 53 band to a second alternate user's right eye 54 b. When using head gear,41 can generate images that are perspective correct for multiplestereoscopic viewers. A first image includes a 43 pixel which is sent tothe a first common viewer space 65 a and at the same time the correctperspective 58 pixel is sent to 65 a and both of these are observed by53 b. Concurrently, a second image includes a 43 pixel which is sent tothe a second common viewer space 65 b and at the same time the correctperspective 58 pixel is sent to 65 b and both of these are observed by54 b. All pixels in a first image are likewise sent to 65 a and allpixels in the second image are sent to 65 b. Thus the second alternateviewer perceives a stereoscopic 3D image that will change as the viewerchanges.

[0041] Using the 61 input and the CPU to calculate correct perspectiveimages and to control the pixel steering in 47, the 41 need onlygenerate two images for each viewer in order to project a true 3Dexperience. In order to achieve this functionality, the 45 and 57 mustbe independently controllable as well as the other similar areascorresponding to the steering control mechanism for the thousands ofpixels from 41. This is a contrast with the operation of FIG. 6 whichdoes not employ control of the individual pixel steering elements of 47.In FIG. 6, all of the steering elements operate in unison as laterdescribed, each sweeping pixels streams across the users space in synchwith 41.

[0042] Note that as an alternate to using head tracking to deliver true3D images, 47 can be curved similarly to a reflector described in FIG.14.

[0043]FIG. 8 illustrates a front projection system of the presentinvention with integrated screen position sensing. In some applications,it may be useful to for the 41 to know where the 47 is located. In suchapplications, a first IR emitter 67 emits a first beacon signal 63 whichis sensed by a beacon sensor 71. Similarly, a second IR emitter 73 emitsa second beacon signal 75 which is sensed by the 71 using triangulation,71 reports the distance and position of 47 to 41 where a CPU uses theinformation to calculate self adjusting focus and where to send pixels.

[0044]FIG. 9 illustrates a pixel located in the beam steering screen ofthe present invention. The 45 consists of a portion of a liquid crystalcell. In practice, the liquid crystal cell is a large structure thatconcurrently steers thousands of pixel but for illustrative purposes,only one small area which steers a single pixel is described as 45. Afirst transparent substrate 77 with integral conductor forms the firstside of the liquid crystal cell and contains the first liquid crystal81. A second transparent substrate with integral conductor 79 forms thesecond side of the liquid crystal cell. Thus the 81 is sandwichedbetween two substrates with integral conductors. The conductors arewired to a circuit which provides current to sections of the current tocreate liquid crystal features that can steer light in response to thelocation and/or intensity of an electric current. The liquid crystalcell can employ variable refraction, variable diffraction, and/oranother means to deflect pixel 43 in a desirable and controllablemanner. One method of preparing and controlling the beam deflectingproperties of a liquid crystal is described in SID 03 Digest by J. L.West of Kent State University and which is available from Society forInformation Display and more other methods have been described in theprior art. Speed and deflection angle are two important considerationwhen selecting a beam deflection technique using liquid crystals. Behindthe liquid crystal cell is a concave mirror reflector 83. The 83comprises a single channel which is among thousands of parallel channelswhich are molded into a substrate which is coated with a highlyreflective smooth material such, as aluminum or chrome. In operation, afirst screen control circuit 85 produces an electric field between the77 and the 79 and in the 81 such that the deflecting properties of 81are time synchronized with the 41. As time progresses, the 41 controlsthe 85 which controls the 77 and 79 conductors which causes the 81 torun through a rapid succession of deflection properties in an iterativeprocess. The 43 pixel is incident on 81 and is cause to be deflectedprior to being incident upon 83. The 83 reflects the 43 which againpasses through the 81 and exists the cell as deflected and reflectedlight 49 c due to the concavity of 83, the 49 c has a greater verticaldivergence that it did when it was incident upon 77. This is the manorby which many thousands of pixels are directed to discrete segments ofuser space in sync with the 41 rapidly switching between images to besent to each segment of user space. It comprises time sequencedaddressing of user space through the controlled deflection of areflective display screen

[0045]FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the beam steering pixel of FIG.9. As the 43 passes through the 81, it is deflected from its originaltrajectory. The liquid crystal deflects the 43 beam at a second Time Qas second deflected beam 44 a which is then reflected by a flat mirrorreflector 83 b. The 83 b directs the 44 a back through the 81, where itis deflected more and exists the cell as 49 b in Time Q. A viewer in the49 b space segment sees this pixel. Then in Time S, the 43 pixel is partof a different image and is deflected by 81 to become third deflectedpixel 44 b. Note the 44 b has been deflected by 81 greater that was 44a. After being reflected by 83 b, the 44 b passes back through the 81and exits as 49 c. A viewer in the 49 c user space segment sees thispixel. The 41 similarly generates many thousands of pixels similar to 43but incident on different areas of the 47 beam reflecting and steeringdisplay screen. Each of these many thousands of pixels are sequentialdirected to a multitude of users space segments in a rapid iterativeprocess. A viewer in a single respective user space segment sees astream of images on the display screen which may be completely differentfrom the stream of images that a different user in a different spacesegment sees. Alternate both viewers may see different perspectives ofthe same 3D image.

[0046]FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate pixel configuration located inthe beam steering screen of the present invention. An alternatetransparent substrate with integral conductors 91 forms the first sideof a portion of a large liquid crystal cell and contains a second liquidcrystal 93 on a first side. The 93 is contained on a second side by asecond alternate substrate with integral conductors. The 91, 93, 94assembly operates similarly to that described in FIGS. 9 and 10 exceptthat the 91 and 94 are not parallel to one another. In some liquidcrystal deflecting cells employing refraction, deflection, and/oranother deflection method, employing a prism shaped liquid crystal layeris useful.

[0047]FIG. 12 illustrates the reflective surface of the beam steeringscreen of the present invention. When using the 83 concave shapedreflector is array, it is important to note that since the individualconcavities are pixel size, The individual incident pixels need not beexactly incident within the individual concavities. If the 43 pixel isincident upon the 83 in a lined up fashion, it produces a first sethorizontally divergent beams 44 c. If the off centered pixel 95 isincident across two concavities, it produces a second set of divergentbeams 97 a. 44 c and 97 a are equally divergent and equally cover thesame amount of viewer space.

[0048]FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate reflective surface of the beamsteering screen of the present invention. Reflectors need not be concavechannels as is 83, but can be convex structures as well. A convexreflector 83 a is one of thousands of convex sections on a moldedsubstrate which is coated with smooth aluminum or chrome mirrormaterial.

[0049] Alternate Embodiment—Mechanical Beam Steering

[0050]FIG. 14 illustrates a second embodiment of the front projectionbeam steering display of the present invention in a first position. Analternate projector 129 is synchronized with a magnetic actuatingcircuit 123 via an actuating control wire 131 a. The 129 produces acontrol signal that controls the 123 such that a magnetic impulse isproduce in an electromagnetic channel 125. I response to the electricfield created in the 125, a permanent magnet 121 is pushed or pulledinto a desired position. The 121 is rigidly affixed to a concave mirrordisplay screen 103 which is able to rotate along a to axis 127 and asimilar bottom axis. The 103 is a molded plastic mirror which is smoothcoated with a highly reflected material such as aluminum or chrome. The103 has an array of horizontal channels similar to those described inFIG. 12 for increasing a pixels vertical distribution in viewer space.The 129 is adapted to generate a controlling signal which positions the103 in sync with a rapidly iterative sequence of pixels representing atleast two distinct image streams. The 129 is behind a light absorber 107with the only part of the 1299 protruding through the 107 being aprojection lens 101. The 107 is comprised of a rigid plastic sheet witha flat black light absorbing coating either painted on its surface oraffixed to its surface distributing a pixel. At a first time, The 129produces thousands of pixels including a first viewer's first pixel 109and a first viewer's second pixel 111. The 109 and the 111 are bothincident on 103 and directed to at least one eye of a first viewer A117. The curvature of 103 is such that all of the concurrently generatedpixels from 129 are sent to at least one eye of 117. If the 117 iswatching a 2D program, the pixels from 103 can be sent to both eyes of117 as described in FIG. 4. If the 117 is watching a 3D program, 103 inconjunction with 129 needs to send different pixels respectively to theright eye and to the left eye of 117 as is described in FIGS. 5 through7. While 117 can see pixels generated at the instance depicted in FIG.14, A second viewer B 119 receives light from light absorber 107 asreflected from 103 as first non-visible light 1143 and second nonvisible light 115. In other words, the 103 is reflecting light from the107 to the 119 which can not be seen by the 119. Similarly, 119 does notperceive any image from the entire surface of the 103 during thedepicted instant while 117 does perceive an image on the entire surfaceof the 103 reflective screen.

[0051]FIG. 15 illustrates the second embodiment of the front projectionbeam steering display of the present invention in a second position.FIG. 15 depicts the next instant in time as compared to FIG. 14. A firstprojector in a second time instance 129 a has sent a signal via a wirecarrying a second control signal 131 a that causes a second time instantmagnetic control circuit 123 a to produce a second magnetic fieldcharacteristic in the 125 magnetic channel such that an actuatedpermanent magnet 121 a has been moved and thereby the 103 rotated aroundthe 127 into a new reflecting position. In this new reflecting position,the 117 sees invisible light from the 107 reflected off the entiresurface of 103 and including first viewer's first non-visible light 109a and first viewer's second non-visible light 11 a. In the depictedinstant in time, 119 can see many thousands of pixels reflected from the103 including realigned including second viewer's first 25 visible pixel113 a and second viewer's second visible pixel 115 a. Thus in hisinstance of time, the first viewer perceives nothing while the secondviewer perceives and image.

[0052] Thus as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, the 129 in conjunction withthe 103 projects at least two distinct image streams (possibly fourdistinct image streams in the case of true 3D) with one image streamviewed by the 117 and the other image stream viewed by the 119. The 103is very rapidly actuated between the two positions in sync with the 129a which very rapidly in alternate frames projects two image streamsrepresentative of two distinct programs (or multiple 3D views). Whilethe discussions of FIGS. 14 and 15 include two or four images, currentlyavailable DMDs for projectors including Texas Instruments' DLP line andcompatible herewith can produce as many as forty concurrent imagestreams.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Operation of the invention has been discussed under the aboveheading and is not repeated here to avoid redundancy.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0054] Thus the reader will see that the Time Sequenced User SpaceSegmentation For Multiple Program and 3D Display of this inventionprovides a novel unanticipated, highly functional and reliable means fordistributing multiple video streams to segmented user spaces such thatusers within each respective space can view distinct video streams ortrue 3D views of the same video stream.

[0055] While my above description describes many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment thereof. Manyother variations are possible. Many types of video monitors are wellknown and can be used with the method and elements described herein. Forexample, many techniques for projecting images are well known and couldbe used by one skilled in the art to physically segment multiple videostreams according to the present invention. Many optical elements andcombinations thereof are possible. Many optical arrangements ofintervening optics have been described herein and others are possibleusing that which is taught herein. Many reflector configurations arepossible. Many solid state beam steering or deflecting techniques areknown in the prior art. It should be understood that the term “display”and/or “screen” refers to a screen for receiving a projection, videomonitor, television screen, a computer display, a video game screen, ordevice which substantially provides images to a user.

[0056] The prior related patent applications of the present applicantwhich are cross referenced herein also contain relevant informationwhich is incorporated herein but not repeated to avoid redundancy.

What is claimed:
 1. An image display system for providing a first imageto a first portion of user space and a second image to a second portionof user space wherein a user in the first portion of space can see thefirst image but can not see the second image and wherein time sequencingis used to direct images to each respective user space.